Scholé Sisters: Camaraderie for Classical Homeschooling Mamas
Scholé Sisters: Camaraderie for Classical Homeschooling Mamas
Brandy Vencel with Mystie Winckler and Abby Wahl
Reviews
via Podcasts
Pretentious at best
My podcast app recommended the show this morning and I was excited to have something new to try on my walk. I listened to the episode on unit studies and found it pretentious and judgmental at best. I probably agree with most of their methods and statements personally, but I would never speak to, or treat another homeschool mom who has made other choices in this way. There was a severe lack of grace and kindness. I'll stick with listening to Sarah Mackenzie or Julie Bogart who always has a spirit of encouragement and leaves you feeling empowered.
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Jaherin
Great for all parents to gain understanding that YOU are the primary educators of your children!
We had homeschooled in the past and our kids now attend a classical school - but I still listen to Schole Sisters as it helps me become a better person and parent through the lens of discussing great books!
webhess
My favorite CM/Classical podcast
Thanks for encouraging us moms to keep growing! Love this podcast.
OakHillGirl
Favorite!
Favorite CM/classical podcast out there.
Jessica Roberts PT, DPT, CEEAA
What a gift these podcasts are!
Just finished episode 1 and feeling so inspired and encouraged to be starting on this journey! Thank you for taking the time to do these podcasts!
Steph71481
Wow.. just wow!
This podcast is fantastic! It stimulates me more in the morning than my cup of coffee and the episode on religion being essential was a must for every parent to great, whether they home school or not! So glad you left the “controversial “ dialogue in! We must speak up to not only challenge but keep each other sharp and on task for what is right and true! Thank you!
letmepamperu13
Excellent
Your “Religion is Essential” was excellently done and I’ve shared it around many times. Thank you for presenting and walking through these ideas!
e.ever
Come back!
Need new episodes 😭
podcastlover141414
Deeply valuable and challenging
These women bring well thought and articulate convictions to the home school conversation. I love the varied background of the hosts!!! Want to get uncomfortable with your homeschool status quo? They will help you anchor the “how” and “what” into the intelligent, humble “why.” I also appreciate the rounded discussion that education is for ALL of life, not just K12 skills, checkboxes, and worksheets. This means, yes, sometimes topics and perspectives brought up are potentially challenging to you personally. But at least exit the echo-chamber and give a different perspective an examination. I love the discussions and the wide and varied resources recommended for further investigation and enrichment. Keep it up!
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Laurasis
Could be better!
When this podcast is on topic they are amazing. Some of the episodes have really shifted the way I think about education and I’ve referred them to others. However, as others have pointed out, one of the hosts has a hard time not mentioning political (read: borderline conspiracy theory) opinions which really hurts their credibility and my willingness to share their otherwise great thoughts on homeschooling.
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veritas18
Love the depth of conversations!
These women have such interesting discussions on literature, philosophy, and homeschooling. These conversations remind me how we are not just cogs in a machine but souls here on Earth for a reason. And that’s exactly what my homeschooling aims to teach my kids. It’s a great inspiration.
sjnewspaperphile
Used to be so wonderful
The recent need to make sure everyone knows they support one political side is so thick, I can’t continue to listen. It’s a shame because when they are discussing books, critical thinking (which I wish they’d apply to all areas), and the gospel it is such a great, mind expanding conversation.
marksigep
What Happened?
I used to love this show. I used to be a paying member of the sister ship. I am upset and dismayed that one member seems to inject politics into EVERY portion of the conversation. If you are a Christian…you serve one King and master. I have tried to look past it, but basic understanding of microbiology, globalization and disease control are not political issues. The other ladies, you know who you are, should know better! I hope you start to notice that the fruit of one member looks, smells, and tastes rotten! I am officially plucking out this eye that is offending me…And I won’t even give it another ‘afterthought.’
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Awjonesey
Wanted to like it but had to unfollow
I love the idea of a podcast hosted by smart, well-read women, but unfortunately there is too much political stuff thrown in for my taste. I find it terribly distracting and unnecessary, which is a shame because it could be a great podcast!
ELJ80
Love it!
I love this podcast. I thought I hated podcasts, because they are usually wordy and boring. This is the first that I actually bother to listen to, and I love it and learn so much that I actually take notes. I am thrilled that I found the Scholé Sisters!
stingray678
Entertaining, enlightening, affirming
This show and these moms are perfectly accomplishing their stated goal - to provide encouragement and support to classically homeschooling moms, but I would recommend this show to anyone looking for a thoughtful discussion. This podcast broadens my mind and feeds my soul. Thank you!
karischilee
Can I call this a *living* podcast?
I just found this podcast about 2 weeks ago and I think I’ve listened to every episode. I feel like I have found my people! The conversations have pushed me to grow in my own education and completely won me over to Charlotte Mason. Thanks for being so wonderful and enjoyable ☺️
New math teacher
Ruined a good thing
I loved this podcast for many years. I enjoyed the banter of the ladies and their aim to seek truth, goodness, and beauty. Unfortunately, Brandy is just not capable of keeping her political agenda under wraps and it seeps into absolutely every crevice and is quite unnerving to be listening to. They’ll be having a lovely thought and then <bam> out of nowhere, Brandy will say something politically charged. It leaves me feeling hijacked and the discomfort of the fellow podcasters is palpable (even if they agree with her). I still try and listen, hoping they’ll be able to focus their vision once again, but I’m saddened that it has come to this.
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@11then1cknamesaretaken
Funny and inspiring
These ladies are amazing and so inspiring, and very funny actually - I find myself laughing during many of their episodes, and laughter is definitely the best medicine. I was pretty intimidated last year when I first heard them - I thought, who are these people who read such archaic books- and wrote them off for a while. But then I gave them another try, and was hooked. My amazon book list is now a mile long at least, thanks to their Scholé everyday. I love this podcast. Wish I could find “my sisters” though. Oh well, at least I have this podcast. And when is Brandy going to add to her Aftercast podcast - I hope soon !;) Edited to add: I’ve been listening to this podcast - every one of them - for a while now. I have still enjoyed these ladies, and their reading & thinking challenges, insights and interviews, but have felt for a few months at least that Brandy has developed a bit of a bitter edge. Maybe I am reading this wrong? She had an “edge”before, but it the bitterness like she has a chip on her shoulder wasn’t coming across. Perhaps she has immersed herself in some bitter- inducing media and information sources? I hope she gets back to her roots, and the firm foundations she was building her ideas on previously. The Christmas cast felt very alienating- there was a lack of grace and true kindness and empathy toward those who may not feel so free with the health of their community. Yes, we need community, but we will get back to that. In the meantime, several churches that I am aware of are able to bless their communities WHILE also protecting the health of their communities. What better lesson to teach our children that in the face of disappointment and obstacles (which in our first world nation - given the perspective of the global crisis - is very small) to be and do even better than before. We have made more nature discoveries, slowed down to truly experience schole, and have been able to take a step back to re evaluate our busy lives, so when we do get back to life without the covid restrictions, it will be better than it was, by God’s good grace. We don’t have to have it exactly the same as it was, desperately trying to do things the same as always, but it can be different and yet still good.
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jslm2006
Delightful
Sisters, what a fun surprise to stumble across your podcast tonight! I laughed out loud as I vacuumed baking soda off of my carpet, trying to remove some of the remnants of the army of stinky boys who had battled outside all afternoon in bare feet. :) My eldest is only 6, so I’m new in my motherhood and homeschooling journey, but this resonates so deeply. I’d never heard the word schole when I decided to return to good literature a couple of years ago, for the sake of a mom’s brain that felt like it was atrophying for lack of use. This defines so well what my soul instinctively knew it lacked in this season...the water, the food, that would make this woman truly flourish. Thanks for the vomit hilarity (you know now to which episode I refer!) and the insight. Carry on, and God bless!
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Little house in the 'burbs
Host lacks critical thinking skills
I was a long time listener to this podcast, I even hosted events for their retreats. Then Brandy Vencel started flooding Instagram with crackpot QAnon theories and anti-mask rhetoric during a pandemic. Anyone with such proclivities ought not be lecturing people on how to teach critical thinking or Christian charity to their kids. I’ve stopped listening and stopped recommending this podcast to friends. Such a shame, because I really appreciated Mystie and Pam’s insights. Edited to add: Brandy’s dissemination of conspiracy theories and lies about the election is the exact behavior that resulted in the attempted coup at the Capitol. Five people, including 2 police officers, are dead at the hands of people who spread the same lies as Brandy. As far as I’m concerned, she has blood on her hands for spreading the propaganda of a domestic terrorist group. Shame on you, Brandy. Shame.
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goldencottage
Grateful
This is currently my favorite homeschool podcast and I am a podcast junkie. Our homeschool has been shaped by many ideas presented here.
likemamaji
Too many interruptions
I enjoy listening to the info and wisdom. Truly appreciate ladies’ knowledge and I appreciate a joyful heart, but listeners can’t follow as well with all of the inside jokes and interruptions from laughing at those inside jokes.
Sellonm
I tried
I mean... if you like listening to self righteous women bicker and try and one up each other in needless pretentious education... this is the podcast for you 👍🏻. I NEVER stop listening to a podcast once I decide I am going to binge listen to it. I listened to well over half of these, however I really should have followed my gut after the first few.
thekaymommy
Wisdom reigns here!
This is such an amazing podcast! I love listening to you ladies talk about books and learning! Before coming across this podcast I had never heard of scholé. You all have enriched my life as I have learned so much from you and have gained so much wisdom.
HrvatskaLove
Insightful!
I have only listened to a few so far, but this is an invaluable toolbox of information for the homeschool mom.
dishwasher2000
Funny and Encouraging
I look forward to each episode and love to laugh along with the sisters! Each episode is a great encouragement to me as well.
Tara H. NE
Encouraging
I love to hear these ladies laugh! It’s a refreshing podcast for homeschool mommas, and I learn a lot as well.
LanayaG
Love!!! the show but disappointed this season
I feel like this season wasn’t as strong as those of the past. It might be that it just didn’t resonate with me during my current season in life.
Mrs.martin13
Relatable, Encouraging and Entertaining
The Scholé Sisters podcast is one of my top favorites. There is always so much food for thought and I have been challenged and spurred on by what has been shared. They’re worth your time!
Brittany L678
Closing a tab!!
I just laughed so hard when someone commented that she better not close he r tabs! She is planning for the school year and if she closes the grammar tab grammar may never happen!! Oh gosh that was hilarious and I relate. However, these women are intelligent and very motivated to teach their children. I highly recommend this podcast!!
ianostrowski@
Wish I had some sisters like this IRL
These ladies feed my mind & make me laugh. I really enjoy the discussions between these friends with different educational methods & coming from such different backgrounds. Throw a past-life public school teacher, homeschooled now homeschooling, and California native moms all together & you get many different viewpoints & ideas on each topic. These ladies really do give me the mental stimulation & meat to chew on I don’t get in my current small circle of homeschoolers. Keep it up!!!
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LaundryQueenNC
I can't get passed the music
I accidentally wrote a that Aftercast episodes were too long, but I was referring to this one. I'm sorry. But I have to say the music here is very distracting for me too. Great effort and I know everyone means well, but I find this podcast very confusing in trying to implement CM IRL. I understand this audience will not agree with me, but just my humble opinion.
urmelvelher
Practical * Wise
I am always in the market for practical wisdom. This is a great source for it!
Jamie Buckland
Love it!
Pretty sure I was meant to be fast friends with these ladies! At least that’s the way they make me feel. I feel so encouraged and refreshed after listening to each episode...and a little smarter too 🤓 Love the topics they discuss and the humor and laid back fashion of their podcasts. Just what this homeschool momma needs. Keep up the good work!!!
Christina-ONT
Wonderful
This is one of my top-five favorite podcasts even though I'm in basically zero of their target demographics. I don't homeschool (my only school-age child goes to public school), and I'm not religious, but this mama still LOVES this podcast. I feel like I have learned so much for my own education, plus gained inspiration to bring big ideas and CM/Classical methods to my family. The hosts are great, the guests are always interesting, and my reading list has grown ten-fold. Thank you, Schole Sisters!
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natural_tools
Truly Inspiring
I loved listening to them and am really inspired to start my own learning journey and a commonplace book! Thank you!!
Jerswife
Binge Listener!
I am a new mom with an infant but I plan to homeschool and during the mind numbing hours of caring for an infant, these discussions have kept my brain alive and well. Thank you! I don't know what I'm going to do now that I've listened to all the episodes in a row.
Pianogal1863
Stretching
I love listening to these ladies. Every episode stretches me and makes me think. The “what are you reading” section is great.
WifeyKayla
My absolute favorite homeschooling podcast
Listening to these girls is like hanging out with my best homeschooling friends. Love these ladies! Such a fun and helpful podcast! Thank you ladies!
Jessicaerinhaider
LOVE it!
I just discovered this podcast last week, and I am HOOKED! I downloaded several episodes for a road trip, and every single one had something for me to think about, be inspired by, or to look into. These ladies offer a depth and richness that calls me into higher thinking and truer desire, without any feelings of inadequacy or being "over my head". Their conversations are a delight, and I truly feel I have "found my sisters" when I'm listening. Thanks to all three of you for sharing with us!
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CMmamaShea
For the thinking homeschool mom!
These women never talk down to me (though sometimes, they really should)! They respect my intellect by encouraging homeschool moms to further her own education while diligently teaching her own children. In each episode, there is a point that I need to work on, a note of encouragement AND a laugh!!! Completely worth my time and I look forward to each episode!
JoysTeacher
Feels like home
Just beginning into the world of podcasts on my own (have listened with my husband on other topics) & am truly enjoying this community of sisters. We, as homeschoolers, don't have a network of homeschooling friends to meet up with regularly. And none of my friends are CM minded. So thank you for sharing your hearts on this podcast & giving me a great group of sisters to join!💕
Wild & Wonderful
One of my Fav Podcasts
Even though my kids are too young for school yet, I love listening to these ladies hash out classical homeschooling. I love their in depth analysis & I feel like I relate to them. One quick note: I've listened to maybe 8 or 10 episodes & you NEVER say what "RDA" stands for haha. I figured it out from context but it might be nice every once in awhile for new folks jumping in 👍🏻
triciaoaks1
Enjoyable conversations
It's nice to see a diverse set of homeschooling moms get together and mutually learn from each other (as we should!)
Chelsea09
Love, love, love my sisters
I'm so grateful for the encouragement and help I receive from this podcast. I commend it to all my friends, especially those of us trying to "marry" Charlotte Mason's methods with the Classical model. Thank you!
Martha Clarke
Refreshing & insightful!
I always get excited when a new episode pops up! This podcast encourages me in this difficult and rewarding race of homeschooling! It's so fun to listen to, and I always learn a lot!
Kelly Lee 0815
Wonderful!
I'm currently binge-listening to these. Every episode is filled with wisdom, honesty, practical insight, and, best of all, laughter. I highly recommend this podcast to homeschool moms, whether you classify yourself in the classical category or not.
Oddlysaid
Love it!
This has quickly become one of my favorite podcasts. I often find myself laughing along with these ladies. I've also learned so much! Excellent resource for homeschooling.
leyvaleyva
Encouraging and challenging
I was so glad to find this podcast, filled with intelligent and gracious conversation about things I care about. As a stay-at-home mom and newbie homeschooler I often feel like an anomaly, or somehow backwards in our culture, so I am grateful to hear from like-minded women and know there is a "sisterhood" out there. I continue to be so, so encouraged by the well-read, thoughtful women who put together this podcast.
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CommonWilderness
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